Gene Therapy Boosts Nerve Recovery Post-Injury

Researchers develop novel gene-based therapy that improves nerve regrowth and function in mice with severe nerve injuries.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:00am

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular forms, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex biological mechanisms of nerve regeneration and blood vessel growth.A novel gene therapy approach harnesses the power of the body's own regenerative processes to help heal severe nerve injuries and restore function.Columbus Today

Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a new gene-based therapy that uses tissue nanotransfection (TNT) to deliver specific genes to nerve grafts, resulting in better nerve regrowth, stronger muscles, and improved function in treated mice with severe peripheral nerve injuries. The therapy involves applying three genes (Etv2, Fli1 and Foxc2) that help form new blood vessels, which in turn support the nerve repair process.

Why it matters

Peripheral nerve injuries can leave patients with long-term weakness, numbness or loss of function, and current treatments often don't fully restore movement or feeling. This new approach aims to create a healthier environment for nerves to heal more effectively by boosting the growth of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients.

The details

The researchers used TNT to quickly deliver the three genes to nerve grafts during surgery in mice with severe nerve injuries. They found that the treated nerves grew more blood vessels than untreated nerves, which helped the nerves regrow and reconnect better. The treated mice showed improved functional outcomes like stronger muscle contractions and better grip strength compared to those that only had surgery.

  • The research findings were published in the journal Science Advances on April 9, 2026.

The players

Daniel Gallego-Perez

Professor and Edgar C. Hendrickson Chair in Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University, and senior author of the study.

Ana Salazar-Puerta

Postdoctoral researcher in Gallego-Perez's lab and lead author of the study.

Amy Moore

Chair of Ohio State's Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, interim dean of the College of Medicine, and the Robert L. Ruberg, MD Alumni Endowed Chair.

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What they’re saying

“This study is the first to combine TNT with nerve graft surgery, and the results are promising. While healing nerves do need oxygen and nutrients, blood vessels do much more than just deliver supplies — they help guide and support the repair process. By helping the body quickly grow new blood vessels, our approach creates a healthier environment that allows nerves to heal more effectively.”

— Daniel Gallego-Perez, Professor and Edgar C. Hendrickson Chair in Biomedical Engineering

“We saw improvements not just under the microscope, but in real function like stronger muscle contractions and better grip strength.”

— Amy Moore, Chair of Ohio State's Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, interim dean of the College of Medicine, and the Robert L. Ruberg, MD Alumni Endowed Chair

“This is designed to fit into the operating room and is a single treatment that could have lasting benefits.”

— Ana Salazar-Puerta, Postdoctoral researcher

What’s next

Researchers will next test the method in larger animal models and study how long the benefits of the therapy last.

The takeaway

This new gene-based therapy using tissue nanotransfection represents a promising approach to improving nerve repair and restoring function for patients with severe peripheral nerve injuries, which are common among military service members and can lead to lifelong disability.